The Dairy Council for Northern Ireland is supporting the development and launch of the European Milk Forum’s (EMF) ‘Milk, Nutritious by Nature’ programme, which will run across seven EMF member European Union countries including Northern Ireland until November 2014.
‘Milk, Nutritious by Nature’ marks the first programme of its kind launched by the EMF and is targeted at policy makers, academics, healthcare professionals and health and nutrition organisations.
The programme will disseminate the latest science to establish awareness about the contribution of milk and dairy products to a healthy, balanced diet.
Commenting on the launch of the programme, Dr Mike Johnston, Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, said:
“The Dairy Council for Northern Ireland is delighted to be involved in the development and launch of ‘Milk, Nutritious by Nature,’ which will provide us and other participating countries with the opportunity to make health care professionals and others aware of the body of scientific knowledge about the natural nutrients in milk and dairy products and their benefits.
“Milk is not only a source of calcium but also provides a
wide range of other essential nutrients such as protein, potassium, iodine,phosphorus and vitamins B2, B5 and B12.
These nutrients are essential for the proper functioning of the body at all ages and stages of life. Through this programme, we want to continue to position the consumption of milk and dairy products as part of a healthy and balanced diet for all consumers in Northern Ireland.”
The European Milk Forum Chairman, Laurent Damiens continued:
“We recognise that European countries share similar challenges
relating to the promotion of healthy balanced diets and providing effective nutrition information and education is key to doing this.
“With the support of organisations such as the Dairy
Council for Northern Ireland, we hope that this initiative can help to address these challenges across Europe.”